Country star Leann Rimes needs a lesson in getting your friend's back: Never defend said friend for doing what he/she is denying doing in the first place!

Everyone saw Faith Hill freak after Carrie Underwood won the CMA’s female vocalist of the year last week. We then went on to believe (or not believe) the longtime star when she claimed she was only “joking.”

Regardless, it wasn't a big deal. But Rimes (right) decided to add fuel to the fire when she backed up her friend Faith on her website:

“Okay, I usually keep quiet on topics like this but I feel I need to stand up for my friend, Faith. She was just being honest and emotional like every other person sitting at home with an opinion. I don’t think Faith was angry about her loss, she probably felt, as I did, that Carrie Underwood has not paid her dues long enough to fully deserve that award.”

Yikes, Leann. She was only kidding, remember? In any event, apparently you have to be around for a certain number of years before you can win awards, rather than simply winning them if voters deem you the best. Not to say that Faith and Leann aren't tremendous performers in their own right, but how about giving our girl her due as well?

Come on. Suffice it to say, the Oklahoma cutie who brought us Some Hearts would never make such remarks about a fellow singer. Neither would Kellie Pickler, who may end up winning some CMA honors next year and beyond.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.